Echorroes: a playful interactive sound-art experience for young & old children
"Unleash your child's creativity with Echorroes – a playful non-verbal interactive music experience that transforms children’s everyday space into a dream-like playground. Kids explore contemporary music principles through playful interactive sound games, becoming the creators of their own musical ecosystem. Join the fun with minimal adult intervention!"
Cross-border/international
Germany
Greece
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The project has been developed between Berlin and Athens. Three kindergartens in Berlin took an active part in the development part with five visits in each school: Hucky-Bucky (Lichtenberg), Tommelise (Neukolln), and Lillebror (Schöneberg-Tempelhof). In addition, we have an active network of schools and kindergartens in Athens with which we regularly collaborate and with which we will partner during the next phase of development. Those schools include KOINSEP-Sporeio, Argyri-Laimou Schools, School of Play, and schools of the Hellenic Theatre-Drama & Education Network.
Mainly urban
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
No
No
Yes
As an individual in partnership with other persons
First name: Phivos-Angelos Last name: Kollias Gender: Male Nationality: Greece Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Richardstraße 38 Town: Berlin Postal code: 12043 Country: Germany Direct Tel:+49 176 74735896 E-mail:soklamon@gmail.com Website:https://phivos-angelos-kollias.com/?p=1022
Echorroes is a playful non-verbal interactive music experience for young children. The children play and explore, becoming familiar with contemporary music principles and concepts. They actively participate in interactive music games with minimal intervention from a facilitator. Their everyday space and experience are transformed into a dream-like organic ecosystem, interconnected with the kids and every action and sound they produce.
A specially designed set incorporates speakers, microphones, interactive lighting, natural sensory materials, and stage props.
The project's prototype development took place July-December 2022 in collaboration with three multilingual kindergartens in Berlin: Hucky-Bucky, Tommelise and Lillebror.
We iteratively tested the development of our project by learning directly from the children and producing a working prototype of our installation.
Each time, the children's reactions influenced the next month's development plan. The project's prototype development phase was funded by the Neukölln District Cultural Department and Nobiwerk Kitas.
• The central axis of the activities is an interactive sound installation that responds directly to the sounds & actions of the children.
• The facilitator subtly directs the children's play with the interactive sound through gestures & sounds (non-verbal communication), pointing & doing.
• A specially designed costume made of natural material with props, objects & sensory materials can create sounds in physical space. The children can gradually take the costume apart and create the stage set and the space themselves.
• The lighting reacts dynamically & in real-time to the rest of the installation. The interactive light transitions are smooth & create a safe atmosphere & a continuous dialogue with the musical action.
Non-verbal communication
Ecosystemic music
Child-led development
Versatility/Adaptability
Playful exploration
The key objectives of the Echorroes are centred around creating ecosystemic awareness and a direct positive impact on the environment and society while fostering child development.
We used ecological materials for the costume and theatrical setting, natural sensory materials and paper tubes to make the instruments to transform the installation into a more sustainable one by minimising waste and environmental impact and as a symbol of ecological awareness for the participating children, parents and educators.
The experience is designed as an organic music ecosystem. An everyday room is transformed into a dream-like organic ecosystem, directly interconnected with the kids and every action and sound they produce. It helps the kids to learn about our ecosystemic planet and non-linear society.
Versatility and adaptability play a crucial role in ensuring the longevity and continued impact of the initiative. It helps to reduce waste, as resources can be effectively utilised in multiple contexts without the need for constant redevelopment. It ensures that it remains relevant and effective in promoting sustainability, as it can respond to new challenges and opportunities as they arise.
Non-verbal communication promotes the ability of children to understand and respond to their environment without the need for verbal instructions. Also, it makes them understand and appreciate the non-human biosphere that is primarily non-verbal.
Child-led development: The project was developed with the direct involvement of children, who could influence the project's development. It included promoting children's active participation and empowerment in shaping their own learning and development. This approach can foster a sense of community and the environment in which they live.
Playful exploration can increase the chances of children continuing their engagement with the topic in the future, which would be a sustainable approach to learning.
The key objective of the Echorroes project is to create an immersive and high-quality experience for children that is aesthetically pleasing and culturally enriching.
The interactive soundscape is a dynamic and ever-changing ecosystem that reacts to the movements and actions of the children.
The sound is tailored to support non-verbal communication and child-led development at the heart of the initiative, making it an integral part of the overall experience. The innovative approach to sound design provides a high-quality and memorable musical experience for children, contributing to the overall aesthetics and quality of the initiative.
The costume incorporates elements of nature and visual, auditory, and sensory material, further tying the child's actions to the ecosystemic music experience in combination with interactive light.
The initiative is exemplary in its use of design and technology to enhance the learning experience for children, encouraging a love for music and the arts in a unique and engaging way.
The focus on non-verbal communication and ecosystemic music create a unique and memorable experience that stimulates the senses and allows children to express themselves in new and creative ways.
The child-led development approach encourages children to take ownership of their learning experience, resulting in increased engagement and motivation.
The versatility and adaptability of the initiative allow it to be tailored to different settings and communities, ensuring that it is accessible to a wide range of children.
Finally, the playful exploration aspect of the initiative creates a fun and engaging environment that fosters a love of learning and a desire to continue to engage with music and the arts.
These elements contribute to the overall quality of experience for children and make the Echorroes initiative exemplary in terms of aesthetics and cultural benefits.
Echorroes aims to create an experience accessible for all children and adults, regardless of their social-economical background or abilities.
The installation was designed to be inclusive, allowing in an equal manner children from any social background or age to play and learn while having fun. Differentiation of behaviour was accepted and encouraged. The interactive nature of the project allows children to participate at their own pace and level. The installation can accommodate children with different needs.
Non-verbal communication makes it accessible to children who may not have the same language or be unable to communicate verbally.
Also, the aspects of adaptability and versatility of the experience can be tailored to meet the needs of a wide range of children or adults.
The initiative has been designed with a child-led development model, which empowers children to create and explore music actively. It helps create a more inclusive and empowering experience for the children.
In addition, it helps to foster a sense of ownership and investment in the learning process, which can lead to longer-term engagement with music and the arts.
The initiative has been created with an eye towards accessibility and usability for children of all abilities. It includes using visually-striking costumes and interactive lights and sounds designed to be engaging and accessible to children with various sensory abilities.
Overall, the Echorroes initiative is exemplary in its commitment to inclusion and accessibility, providing an innovative and empowering musical experience for children of all abilities.
The involvement of citizens, particularly children and their families, is a vital aspect of the Echorroes initiative. By designing an interactive and child-led experience, the initiative encourages active participation and engagement from the community. Participation not only enhances the overall experience for the children but also allows for the initiative to adapt and evolve based on the needs and interests of the community.
Involving the broader community in the initiative also helps to promote a sense of ownership and investment in the project. It can lead to increased support and sustainability for the initiative over time. Furthermore, involving the community in the planning and implementation process helps to ensure that our project is inclusive and accessible to all members of the community, regardless of their background or abilities.
The impact of community involvement on the initiative can be significant. By actively involving citizens in the process, the project can better meet the needs and interests of the community, leading to a more successful and sustainable project. This community involvement also helps to build a sense of community and foster a shared love for music and the arts. Overall, the participation of citizens and civil society in the initiative is essential to its success and helps to ensure that the project has a lasting impact on the community.
The initiative has been developed through a collaborative process between stakeholders at various levels in Berlin and Athens. Three kindergartens in Berlin actively participated in the development phase through visits and testing, while the Neukölln District Cultural Department and Nobiwerk Kitas funded the project. In Athens, the initiative was developed through a partnership with KOINSEP-Sporeio, and consultation with a network of other schools and kindergartens, including Argyri-Laimou Schools, the School of Play, and schools of the Hellenic Theatre-Drama & Education Network. This collaboration and involvement of various stakeholders have been crucial in ensuring that the initiative is aligned with the needs and goals of the communities it serves and positively impacts those it affects.
The design and implementation of Echorroes involved interdisciplinary collaboration between various fields, including music education, child psychology, interactive technology, theatrical set design, and light design. The interaction between these fields was crucial in creating an engaging and impactful experience for children.
We brought our music and music education knowledge, applying contemporary music principles and concepts. In addition, child psychology knowledge helped to design an experience that was both developmentally appropriate and engaging for young children. Our interactive technology and design expertise created a unique, non-verbal interactive experience that integrated music, lights, and sound. We are using cutting-edge Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence techniques to analyse the sound environment and make it directly reactive.
The added value of this interdisciplinary collaboration was that it allowed for a comprehensive and holistic approach to the project. Each field brought its unique perspective and expertise to the table, leading to a more well-rounded and effective initiative. The result was an innovative and impactful experience for children that combined the best of each discipline.
Unlike traditional music education, which often relies on verbal instruction and can be rather structured, Echorroes is a non-verbal, open-ended, child-led experience that emphasises play and exploration, with minimal intervention from the facilitator. That is why it is a unique initiative that stands out from mainstream actions in music education.
The approach allows children to engage with music and the arts in a way that is fun, hands-on, and adaptable to their individual needs and interests
Furthermore, the ecosystemic music interactive experience central to Echorroes is genuinely innovative. We are using cutting-edge Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence techniques to analyse the sound environment and make it directly reactive to children's play. This approach transforms the children's everyday environment into a dream-like organic ecosystem, creating a fully immersive experience that connects the children and their actions with the sounds and lights of the environment. It creates a dynamic and interactive musical experience that is unlike anything else.
It takes a child-led, playful, and adaptable approach to musical learning, making it accessible and engaging for children of all backgrounds. Additionally, the initiative incorporates an open-ended approach, allowing children to explore and engage with music in a way that is unique to their individual experiences. Our system contrasts traditional, structured musical education programs that rely on rote learning and direct instruction. By taking an open-ended approach, Echorroes fosters a love of learning and a desire to continue to engage with music and the arts, making it a truly innovative approach to musical education.
By incorporating elements of non-verbal communication, child-led development, versatility, adaptability, and playful exploration, Echorroes offers a genuinely innovative approach to music education that benefits children and encourages a lifelong love of the arts.
The key elements of our project, non-verbal and child-led approach, ecosystemic music, playful exploration and above all, versatility and adaptability by design, can be easily adapted and applied to other settings; such as schools or community centres and can be used to support various initiatives aimed at promoting hands-on and interactive learning experiences for children. Our approach is versatile by design and can be adapted to different subjects and themes, including but not limited to music, arts, and environmental education.
The non-verbal approach can provide children with an immersive and engaging learning experience, promoting their engagement and motivation throughout the learning process.
The ecosystemic approach adds value by creating a holistic and interconnected experience, where music, sound, light, and movement combine to create a rich and immersive experience for children.
The child-led aspect allows children to take an active role in the learning experience and decide what they want to learn and explore. This approach empowers children, giving them agency and a sense of ownership over their own learning, leading to greater engagement and motivation. Children can explore and discover meaningfully by creating a child-led environment, leading to deeper understanding and a more enjoyable learning experience. This approach can be applied to a wide range of educational initiatives, from traditional classroom settings to after-school programs, to summer camps. The key is to provide children with the freedom to lead their own learning while providing appropriate guidance and support from a facilitator or teacher.
All key aspects can contribute and be used in different settings leading to a more meaningful and impactful learning experience for children and a more sustainable and effective education system.
Our core methodological value is the process of experiential learning by planning-doing-evaluating, favouring innovation and adaptability to ever-changing conditions. The methodological key values are reflected in how we designed, developed and applied the interactive experience with the children.
In our prototype development phase (July-December 2022), we got into an iterative development process as an ongoing collaboration with the children: testing the development in workshops and refining the outcome through monthly repetitions.
Concerning the educational methodology, the design of the different components of the installation is based on Jean Piaget's educational methodology of 'constructivism': the concept of 'schemas' permeates as our central axis the design of each action of the game, the interactive possibilities of the electronic music program, the creation of the stage environment and the sensory materials.
The basis of our methodology is "learning patterns", i.e. the patterns observed in the children's elementary playing patterns. That is to say, as a natural tendency, we have as young humans to process the space around us and learn by exploring and intervening spontaneously in it.
Through play, children test the properties of materials, their position and behaviour in space, the limits of the body and the material, its strength and their interaction with it. They vividly shape the sound environment around them in a safe and exciting context, where their curiosity, creativity and the cultivation of their perception are enhanced.
With the stage space and sensory objects, we redefine and reframe objects of everyday use. We give children the freedom to experiment, offering them space to explore materials and highlighting their potential.
1. Lack of access to music education: Echorroes provides children with a fun and engaging way to learn music, regardless of their background or socio-economic status.
2. Lack of creativity in traditional music education: Echorroes incorporates elements of play and exploration, allowing children to develop their creativity and musical skills in an enjoyable and engaging way.
3. Lack of inclusivity in music education: Echorroes is designed to be adaptable and inclusive, making it accessible to children of all abilities and backgrounds.
4. Disconnect between children and their environment: By incorporating an ecosystemic approach, Echorroes helps children to understand their relationship with the natural world and the impact they can have on it.
5. Traditional music education is often too focused on performance and not enough on exploration and play: Echorroes prioritises the playful exploration of music, allowing children to develop a lifelong love of learning and engagement with the arts.
Echorroes provides children with meaningful and engaging educational experiences that foster their creativity, love of learning, and overall well-being. By adopting a child-led and non-verbal approach to music education, Echorroes provides an alternative to traditional, teacher-centred systems and prioritises the interests and needs of children. Our focus on ecosystemic music and versatility allows for a more inclusive and culturally responsive experience for children from diverse backgrounds.
We address the global challenge of promoting sustainable development and cultural exchange by supporting local communities and initiatives through collaboration and sharing resources and knowledge. The project's inclusive children-led governance systems and inclusive design principles ensure that all children are empowered and have access to the initiative's benefits, regardless of socio-economic status.
The scope of progress in implementing the Echorroes initiative can be evaluated regarding the acquired benefits:
So far, the initiative has demonstrated highly favourable results in providing children with a unique, hands-on, open-ended learning experience through non-verbal communication, an ecosystemic approach to music, and child-led development. Children were highly engaged and motivated during our interactive performances while being familiarised actively and cultivating their love of music and the arts. They got direct access to music and the arts in a fun and engaging way, promoting creativity, social skills, and self-expression. It also created inclusive learning experiences that cater to the needs of all children, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
Echorroes also promote the role of music and the arts in early childhood development, raising awareness about the importance of non-verbal communication and providing an alternative approach to traditional music education methods. The initiative has also positively impacted the broader community, promoting cultural exchange in multilingual schools. Educators offered valuable feedback and were happy to support our project.
During the prototype development phase, we created a fully functioning prototype of our Minimum Viable Product. Our long-term goal is to get into production and create two versions:
1. a mobile-travelling installation that will be simple to pack and adapt in any given school space.
2. a theatrical version, enriching the prototype visually and sonically to create a full-scale production.
The ultimate goal is to reach a more significant number of children and communities, promoting music and the arts as essential components of early childhood development and providing children with access to creative and inclusive learning experiences.
Echorroes fosters a range of sustainability competencies through non-verbal communication, ecosystemic music, child-led development, versatility and playful exploration. It promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and collaboration and environmental awareness by promoting an innovative and holistic approach to learning.
By incorporating non-verbal elements, the project provides a shared experience that transcends language barriers and encourages cross-cultural communication and understanding. It helps to break down language and cultural barriers and promotes unity and cohesion within Europe.
The child-led approach encourages children to take an active role in their own learning and development, empowering them to become agents of change. It promotes a sense of self-efficacy and a belief in their own ability to make a difference in the world.
Using ecosystemic music provides children with an opportunity to explore the world around them and understand the interconnectedness of all living things. It fosters a sense of empathy and respect for the natural world, which is essential for developing a sustainable future.
By incorporating design principles for all and inclusive governance, Echorroes ensures that the initiative is accessible and inclusive for all children, regardless of background, ability, or socio-economic status. It helps to promote equality and fairness and to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to develop the competences they need to become active and engaged citizens.
Overall, Echorroes contributes to developing new competences in the context of the European competence framework on sustainability by providing children with a unique and engaging learning experience that fosters a range of skills and attitudes related to sustainability.
